Greetings all. Excited to share this new interview with one of the very best party chairs in the country, Charlie Bailey, chair of the Georgia Democratic Party. Let’s start with what Charlie told us the last time he came by:
“Probably most the important number to think about… you and I, we’ve talked a little bit about this - the ballot share breakdown. I know you’ve got folks all over the country. So in Georgia, there is no party registration. You can go into a primary, pick up a Republican ballot, or you can pick up a Democratic ballot. So that share of what people are picking is actually an important harbinger.”
“Flash back to 2018… that ballot share was 52-48 Republican. What happened this year? This year, it was 54-46 D to R. We had an eight point advantage on the ballot share. And you have to go back to 1998… the last time Democrats had that much advantage on the ballot share in a midterm primary. This is the most favorable environment any Democrat has run in since 1998.”
In 2018 Republicans won their state wide races in Georgia by 1-3 points after having had a 4 point lead in primary ballots. This time Democrats head into the November elections with an 8 point lead, 12 points better than 2018.
Charlie updates us on the Ossoff Senate race, where the national Republican Party has stopped advertising and Ossoff leads by 9 and 10 points in the last two public polls; the very intense battle for governor; and a whole host of critical down ballot races too, including against some extremist election deniers. Here’s what Charlie told us about the governor’s race:
That's going to be a dogfight, though, because [Rick Jackson] is a billionaire. He has spent so much money. So that is a closer one because of his spend. But she is running a really good campaign. She's a very good candidate. I'd rather be us than them, but we got to fight and we need everybody's help.
I also really recommend listening to what Charlie says about their preparation for the early vote that starts on Tuesday and their extensive election protection operation, important for a state where Trump has already seized ballots and tried so hard to cheat in 2020. Here’s an excerpt:
When you give to the Democratic Party, that is what you are supporting –– infrastructure. I have now, I think, over 30 people on staff just doing voter protection. That's how seriously we we take it here. And so we'll be ready for whatever. And our message to people is –– these people, Trump and these others, they want you to think they can take your vote. They can't take your vote. They want you to be intimidated by this. A lot of the stuff they're talking about is flat out illegal. We will go to court. We have got the lawyers ready. This stuff has been pre-briefed. We're ready if need be, but do not be intimidated. That is what they want.
To support our election efforts in Georgia please consider donating to our ** Winning Georgia **fund today. You contribution will be split three ways among Senator Ossoff, Mayor Bottoms, and the Georgia Democratic Party.
Much is possible for us in this critical battleground state this year and we need to help these intrepid leaders close strong and win people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy this interview with a terrific battleground state party chair, share it with others, hit like so more will see it, consider giving to Georgia today, and keep working hard everyone. For we have a country to save, and elections like this in Georgia to win all over the country, together! - Simon
A lifelong Democrat and seasoned political strategist, Charlie has spent decades organizing, advising, and fundraising for campaigns across the state. His political journey began with the Young Democrats at UGA, eventually leading to senior roles in congressional and gubernatorial campaigns. As the Democratic nominee for Attorney General in 2018 and Lieutenant Governor in 2022, he raised millions in grassroots support while advancing bold, people-first policies. Since his election as Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia in May 2025, Charlie has led the state party to historic overperformances and victories, including Democrats’ first statewide, non-federal wins in nearly two decades in the Public Service Commission elections last year.
In addition to his political leadership, Charlie is a former Fulton County prosecutor and civil rights attorney. He prosecuted violent crime as part of the gang and organized crime unit and later held corporations and public institutions accountable through his legal advocacy. In 2024, he represented five local election officials pro bono to challenge last-minute rule changes that threatened to undermine the democratic process.
A native of Harris County, Charlie remains deeply committed to justice, rural communities, and strengthening Democratic power in every corner of Georgia.
